Godzilla Minus Zero Officially Delivers Record Box Office Debut at Number One
Two international films place
Godzilla Minus Zero led the domestic box office this weekend. Ramayana: Rise of a Legend came in fifth, placing two overseas releases at either end of the top-five list.
Three domestic films filled the other positions, including new releases The Cat in the Hat and Drummer Boy. The third title was not identified in the report.
Ramayana faces a costly start
Ramayana: Rise of a Legend is described as the most expensive Indian film ever made, with a reported production budget of about $200 million. It is the first entry in a planned two-film story, and its follow-up is slated for 2028.
The production mounted an international publicity tour. The film earned $55 million globally and around $12 million domestically over the weekend, a start described as lukewarm.
Predecessor builds Godzilla buzz
Godzilla Minus Zero arrived with audience interest generated by Godzilla Minus One, released in 2023. That earlier film made more than $110 million worldwide against a reported budget of $10 million.
Godzilla Minus One also earned more than $55 million during its North American theatrical run, setting a box-office record for international titles there. It later won the Best Visual Effects Oscar, beating much larger-budget competitors.
Key points
- Godzilla Minus Zero ranked first at the domestic box office this weekend.
- Ramayana: Rise of a Legend placed fifth, earning around $12 million domestically.
- The three other top-five positions went to homegrown films, including two new releases.
- Godzilla Minus One grossed more than $110 million worldwide on a reported $10 million budget.